Mackay RSL sub-branch moves into new headquarters along Sydney Street

Mackay RSL sub-branch’s new headquarters is a stone’s throw from where the proposed new RSL club will go as part of the Hub for our Heroes push. TAKE A VIDEO TOUR INSIDE.

The Vietnam veteran spearheading the revival of an RSL Club in Mackay now has his dream within eyesight as the sub-branch settles into new headquarters.

Mackay RSL Sub-branch president Ken Higgins said having he Sydney Street premises meant members could call somewhere home for the first time since 2006, with the spot just metres from a proposed new RSL club.

From the backdoor of Mackay RSL sub-branch’s new headquarters along Sydney Street, president Ken Higgins points to where the proposed RSL Club will be built along the riverfront on the corners of Brisbane and River Street. Picture: Heidi Petith

The sub-branch is nestled in with ReNew Mackay, a consortium of Mackay business leaders that are developing plans for the Mackay Waterfront Development Priority Area including an RSL club on the corner of Brisbane and River streets.

 Catch up on the vision to reboot the Mackay RSL Club by watching the below video:

“We’re so proud that (ReNew Mackay) have been able to let us have part of this premises,” Mr Higgins said.

“Really without them we wouldn’t have this” Mr Higgins.

The sub-branch’s new address is kitted out with technology for the region’s subbranches to videolink with Queensland RSL but essentially, it is somewhere veterans can find support services and camaraderie.

“We’re pretty excited about it being a really good stepping stone for the veterans of Mackay and their families who’ve been neglected really for many, many years,” Mr Higgins said.

He said the new quarters were also a milestone towards the club’s fight for a RSL club as part of the Hub for our Heroes push.

Mr Higgins said the project had vital support from Queensland RSL as well as all tiers of government.

“This is the first footprint and the next one will hopefully be on the corner of Brisbane and River Street,” he said.

“Things are looking very promising.

“We’ve got to be very careful we don’t get ahead of ourselves but we have no indications that anyone’s put any barriers in our way.”

ReNew Mackay property developers Sean Kelly (left) and Craig Percival (right) with Mackay RSL sub-branch president Ken Higgins at the RSL sub-branch's new headquarters along Sydney Street in Mackay. They are standing in front of an original portrait of Australia’s oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient, Mackay veteran Keith Payne. Mr Higgins said he was excited to pick up Keith and Flo and take them on a tour once the place was a little more spruced up. Picture: Heidi Petith

ReNew Mackay director Craig Percival said there was still work to do before the RSL club could be locked in but he and fellow director Sean Kelly were proud to give the sub-branch a presence and an opportunity and continue their good work.

Plans are progressing for part of a $200 million development on Mackay’s riverfront to include that revived form of an RSL club that would give a social connection to the community while providing veterans access to support services.